PH Permanent Representative to IMO Highlights Importance of Filipino Seafarers in International Trade

Ambassador and Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo proposes a toast during the lunch reception at the IMO celebrating 121 years of Philippine independence. (Eric Ricafort photo)

LONDON 18 June 2019 — The Philippine Permanent Mission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), led by Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Permanent Representative to the IMO Antonio M. Lagdameo underscored the vital role played by Filipino seafarers in maintaining the safety, security, and progress of international seaborne trade, the global shipping industry, and the Philippine economy during his remarks at the Philippine Independence Day luncheon hosted by the permanent mission at the IMO Headquarters on 12 June 2019.

In his remarks, Ambassador Lagdameo shed light on the theme of this year’s national day celebration, “Courage for the Nation, Compassion for the People”, highlighting the values that President Duterte aims for every public servant to embody. He also mentioned how these values are exhibited by Filipino seafarers around the world.

“Courage and compassion are the very same values that our compatriots who depend on the sea for their livelihood, whether as fishers, traders or seafarers, exhibit,” said Ambassador and Permanent Representative Antonio M. Lagdameo

According to the Ambassador, Filipino seafarers, who make up around 30 percent of all seafarers on-board ocean going ships are globally known to be technically competent, hard-working, and reliable.

“Being exposed to adverse weather conditions and other forces of nature at sea can be challenging but it is in these types of conditions that Filipino seafarers continue to thrive,” he said.   “They not only have an important contribution to international seaborne trade and the global shipping industry but to our nation’s economy as they support their families back home.”

During his speech, the Ambassador highlighted the Philippines’ strong maritime tradition and its role in the international community to uphold the stability and security of seaborne trade.  According to the United Nations-Business Action Hub, a staggering 90 percent of global trade is carried by sea.  This underscores the vital role played by seafarers in the movement of goods and the growth of economies around the world.

The IMO is the primary UN agency tasked with setting standards for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of pollution by ships in order to promote a safe, secure, efficient, and sustainable international shipping industry.

The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the IMO handles issues on maritime safety and security, covering both passenger ships and all kinds of cargo ships.  Part of its work includes updating the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and other related codes that deal with dangerous goods, lifesaving appliances and fire safety systems.

The MSC also deals with amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and the STCW, as well as the Manila amendments. END

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